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Permalink Reply by john hall on January 17, 2009 at 6:23pm

.It looks like the IC is a decision away from a NIOSH LODD report. Textbook you would explain to the homeowner that until more companies arrive all that can be done is spray water from the outside, and hope the best for the trapped occupant. Real world you would have to act. First objective would be water supply, even if that means grabbing bystanders and telling them to hand jack the 5" LDH to the nearest hydrant. For the Life Safety issue the two senior and/or most capable FF's will perform VES from the C side 2nd floor window with 24' Ladder. Attack group would advance a 1 3/4" from A side 1st floor to knock down the fire which would open the 2nd floor door for egress. I would limit water use till hydrant is hooked so if VES group needs help. If VES group cannot find occupant in bedroom and fire is controlled over the A side 2nd floor egress they can continue their search down the hall. Once the occupant is found or “all clear” given all FF's will be withdrawn and operations defensive until 1) water supply is addressed 2) additional companies on scene 3) Ric team is in place.

Hopefully with a well trained crew this can all be carried out quickly and safely. Crews do have one positive, the home is older with dimensional lumber construction so structural collapse SHOULD not be a factor in the early minutes of the operation